While some had no choice but to stand due to a sell-out, standing-room-only house, even those with seats at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre took to their feet in a standing ovation following the Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre’s “Dance in the USA” performance Friday evening.

The show, created and directed by PBDT’s Founder, Artistic Director and Choreographer Natasha Middleton, with the assistance of Edward Arno, saw the Burbank-born dance company, formerly known as the Media City Ballet, offer up a mid-summer-night salute to the songwriters, composers and recording artists who have influenced American dance over the past century.

Appearing in principal roles for the performance, which was dedicated to the men and women currently serving in the United States armed forces, were the stunning Carrie Lee Riggins of the New York City Ballet, who appeared in the 2010 Oscar-nominated film, “Black Swan”; Chris Trousdale, of the Disney Channel’s popular show, “Shake It Up”; and Alexander Fost, who was seen in season eight of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” Rounding out the lead cast were Tatiana A’ Virmond, April Mcleod-Baker, Allan McCormick and Jekyns Palaezr.